Filipino American History Month Celebrations Highlight Rich Heritage and Ongoing Journey
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A nationwide observance honoring the history and contributions of Filipino Americans, Filipino American History Month (FAHM) gained significant momentum this past October with events across the Bay Area and official recognition from local governments.
As 1992, the Filipino American National historical Society (FANHS) has championed October as Filipino American History Month (FAHM), a time to reflect on the profound impact of Filipino Americans on the United States. The month holds particular importance, marking the first documented arrival of Filipinos in the continental United States on October 18, 1587, in Morro Bay, California.
States Congress officially recognized October as FAHM, and in 2015, President barack Obama hosted the inaugural FAHM party at the White House.
FAHM is a celebration of the diverse achievements of Filipino Americans across numerous fields, including the arts, sciences, education, medicine, politics, civic engagement, activism, and emerging technologies. It’s a time to honor the past while looking toward the future.
Local Governments Affirm Commitment to FAHM
Demonstrating a strong commitment to recognizing Filipino American heritage, both the union City Council and the Alameda County Board of Supervisors formally declared October 2025 as Filipino American History Month on Oct. 14 and Oct. 28, respectively. The Alameda County Board of Supervisors also extended special recognition to the Filipino american national Historical Society – East Bay Chapter (FANHS EBC) and Filipinos for Justice (FAJ) for their dedication to preserving and promoting Filipino American culture and life within Alameda County.
2025 Theme: “From Quotas to Communities”
The official theme for the 2025 FAHM, as designated by FANHS, is “From Quotas to Communities: Filipino American Migration and Movement.” This theme underscores the complex history of Filipino immigration to the United States, particularly highlighting the impact of the 1935 Filipino Repatriation Act and the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act. These landmark pieces of legislation dramatically altered the landscape of Filipino american immigration and community progress.
Bay Area Events showcase Filipino American Culture
Throughout October, the Bay Area hosted a series of events celebrating FAHM. The East Bay Chapter of FANHS (FANHS EBC), serving Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, organized three prosperous events that drew significant community participation.
The FAHM celebration in hayward, now in its second year, took place on Oct. 4 at the Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) Performing Arts Center, a collaborative effort between FANHS EBC and HUSD.
The largest FAHM event hosted by FANHS EBC this year was held on Oct.25 in Union City, at Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle school. the school’s name itself is a tribute to Larry itliong and Philip Vera Cruz, pivotal figures in the Filipino American farm labor movement. This event was a joint undertaking involving FANHS EBC, The pilipino American Society for Education (PASE), and the New Haven Unified School District.
Community Leaders and Cultural Performances Highlight Celebrations
These FAHM celebrations were attended by a diverse range of elected and appointed officials from Union City, Dublin, Fremont, Newark, Hayward, pinole, and alameda, including California State senators and assemblymembers.
Attendees enjoyed a vibrant array of cultural experiences, including martial arts demonstrations, cultural performances, traditional music and dance, and insightful keynote addresses.Event booths offered a taste of Filipino culture with Filipino-inspired products and food, while representatives from Filipino American civic engagement and sports groups were also present, fostering a sense of community and connection.
These events served as a powerful reminder of the rich history and ongoing contributions of Filipino Americans to the fabric of American society.
